Franklin Square Lights Up for the Holidays

November 23, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Historic Philadelphia, Inc., (HPI) the non-profit organization that manages and operates the award-winning Franklin Square, presents Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens featuring the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO from November 19 – December 31, daily 5 – 9 pm, and 5 – 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mike and I stopped by Friday night to check it out. Franklin Square did a great job with it’s health and safety protocols in place, by expanded seating, installing lots of reminder signage, and hand sanitizer through out the winter wonderland of lights.

Because of Covid none of the food vendors are open, so bring your own hot chocolate and then use the convenient trash cans on site.

A Word From Out Sponsor: No Fuss Thanksgiving Dinner. from Boston Market

New for 2020, Chilly Philly Mini Golf presented by IBEW Local 98, transforms Center City’s only miniature golf course for socially-distanced winter fun both daytime and evenings. Updated with COVID-related safety standards, the course is complete with lights, holiday music, and larger than life wintertime friends throughout the course. The 18-hole game features reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks. ($10 adults, $8 children). November 19 – December 31, daily 10 am – 9 pm, Fri & Sat 10 am – 10 pm.

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For more information check out Historic Philly’s Page HERE

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Photos & Info on 2017 Rothman Rink, The Maze and City Hall Light Show

November 17, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Photos & Info on 2017 Rothman Rink, The Maze and City Hall Light Show

Last Friday I attended the opening of the Rothman Rink and America’s Garden Capital Maze at Dilworth Park, both of which have improved over the years as far in offerings and layout.

Maze

Friday, November 10, the Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park reopened for its fourth year of seasonal skating.

It was one of the first bitter cold days, so props go out to the Philly Pops for performing in the frigid temperatures. Up next for these guys….A Philly Pops Christmas Michael Krajewski, Conductor Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts (Info & Tixs)

I’m not much into ice skating, but am more of a snow bunny. I’ll be in the lodge when I’m not checking out the skill set on the rink. There’s lots of delicious food, drinks, hot chocolate and spirits on the menu.

Definitely one of my favorite spots is America’s Garden Capital Maze or Wintergarden. Created in partnership with Greater Philadelphia Gardens, the garden features twinkling lights and seasonal plants that showcase more than 30 public gardens, arboreta and historic landscapes located within 30 miles of Philadelphia. There’s a brochure near the entrance which tells you about the various plant species.

The garden is laid out much better this year; the paths are wider, the plants aren’t on top of each other
The topiary is plentiful for those selfies

it’s just beautiful

Missing in this photo is the Philly Made Market Place, which was erected this past week.
I’m glad I photographed it before they were set up
They block the beauty of the garden
I noticed even the landscaping around City Hall has been given an upgrade. It’s really quite nice.

This year at the skating rink, they’re having a “winter SIPS”, every Wednesday there are drink specials

I’m super excited for this new attraction at City Hall. It premiere’s Monday at 5PM Here’s the press release.

WHAT: Premiere of the Deck the Hall Light Show Presented by Independence Blue Cross, a dramatic light show, synchronized with music and projected onto the West Market Street portal of City Hall.

WHO: Speakers include Center City District President and CEO Paul R. Levy, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Independence Blue Cross President Executive Vice President and Chairman and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas Paul A. Tufano, Esq., and 6abc President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica. Following remarks, there will be a countdown before “throwing the switch” to start the show.

WHEN: Premiere is 5 p.m. Monday, November 20, 2017 (rain or shine). Shows will be presented during the evenings through January 1, every hour on the half-hour from Sunday to Thursday and more frequently on Friday and Saturday evenings.

WHERE: Dilworth Park, City Hall (west portal)

MORE: Presented by Independence Blue Cross in partnership with Center City District and 6abc, this stunning six-minute light show created by award-winning experimental art studio KLIP Collective highlights City Hall’s historic architecture and will be visible from Dilworth Park and along West Market Street.